Cost-Effective Solutions Proposed for Solid Waste Management Problems Faced by Local Authorities

Malawi: A new study published by Paul Mekani, MPH, Bsc-Nursing, Dip-Nursing & Midwifery, Cert. Nursing& Midwifery highlights the cost-effective solutions for solid waste management problems being faced by local authorities in Malawi.

The study, which focuses on the challenges of solid waste management in developing countries, suggests that a combination of rapid population growth and economic prosperity has led to an increase in the production of solid waste.

According to Mekani, incorrectly managed solid waste streams can pose a significant risk to health and the environment, including water pollution, rodent and insect infestations, and increased flood risk due to blocked drains.

Furthermore, the study highlights the dangers of poor solid waste management contributing to climate change through greenhouse gas emissions.

One of the main challenges faced by local authorities in solid waste management is a lack of resources and capacity.

Mekani notes that city councils often do not have sufficient funds to manage waste, and that government funding is often inadequate to support waste management efforts.

To address these challenges, Mekani suggests a number of cost-effective solutions, including Public Private Partnerships (PPP), decentralization, and integrated solid waste management.

He explains that the PPP model would involve local councils inviting the private sector to participate in waste management, with the aim of identifying business models within the industry.

In conclusion, Mekani emphasizes that effective solid waste management is dependent on the availability of context-specific policies and the implementation of these policies at the local level.

He also stresses the need for local councils to identify models that will ensure self-reliance and sustainability in waste management in the long term.